How much $$ would you give as wedding gift?

[dreamin_disney]

As your Guests enter they will be Greeted with and Elegant Welcome of Champagne and Fresh Strawberries
Your Cocktail Hour

Your Guests will enjoy an Elaborate and Beautifully Decorated Cocktail Buffet as well as White Glove Butler Passed Hor D'oeuvres

Main Reception Table
Exotic Fruit Display, Artisan Bread Display, Country Cheese Basket and Fresh Vegetable Crudité

Butler Style Hot & Cold Hors D'oeuvres
Your selection of Hot & Cold Hors D'Oeuvres will be passed white glove Butler Style

Choose Eight Total

Cold Passed Hors D' oeuvres
Kalamata Olive Tapenade
Beef Rouladen, Herb Cheese*
Asparagus Prosciutto, Aged Balsamic
Sante Fe Chicken Salsa in Black Bean Cup
Smoked Salmon Mousse in Pastry Spoon
Bloody Mary Shooter
Scallop Ceviche Tasting Spoon*
Cold Seared Tuna, Sushi Rice*
Tomato & Basil Bruschetta
Nocellini Wrapped in Salami

Hot Passed Hors D' oeuvres
Clams Casino
Mini Croque Monsieur
Crispy Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus, Aioli
Mini Chesapeake Crab Cakes, Old Bay Sauce
Petite Black Angus Burgers, Caramelized Onions*
Beef Tenderloin in Brioche Bread, Fresh Mozzarella*
Truffle Scented Risotto Cakes with Sundried Tomato Tapenade
Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Orange - Horseradish
Sesame Chicken Sate with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Potatoes Stuffed with Gorgonzola & Bacon
Mini Pulled Pork and Pepper Jack
Coconut Shrimp
Pesto and Goat Cheese Tartlet
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas
Pigs in Puff Pastry

Cocktail Service
Throughout your affair, we will provide unlimited Top Shelf Liquors, including Absolut Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Bacardi Rum, Dewars White Label Scotch, Seagrams-7, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Captain Morgan Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, and Jose Cuervo Tequila. Chilled Champagne, (2) Draft Beers, Non-Alcoholic Beer, Chardonnay, Merlot, White Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio Wine, Soft Drinks and Juices. Special Requests and Upgraded Liquors are Available.

Our Professional Bartenders are Trained to Serve Responsibly. (This includes a “No Shot” Policy)
Additional Beer Selections $3.00 per person, per beer

Your Wedding Dinner
Champagne Toast

Appetizer
Choose One

Baked Long Island Stuffed Clams
Portobello Tower, Roasted Red Pepper, Fresh Mozzarella, Aged Balsamic
Seasonal Melon, Imported Prosciutto di Parma, Toasted Pignoli Nuts
Tortellini, Arugula, Oven Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted Vegetable Tartlet, Goat Cheese




Choose Four Stations

Steak House Station*
Carved Roast Beef Tenderloin
Carved Pork Steamship
Accoutrements:
Crispy Onions
Apple Compote
Peppercorn Sauce
Horseradish Cream
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Wedge Lettuce Salad, Smoked Bacon

Asian Station*
Thai Style Beef
Ginger Garlic Chicken
Lemon Grass Shrimp
Accoutrements:
Chop Sticks
Stir Fried Rice
Crisp Spring Rolls
Soba Noodle Salad

Trattoria Pasta Station
Tortelloni Quattro Formagio
Penne a la Vodka
Orechietter with Broccoli Rabe and Sweet Italian Sausage
Noccellini and Grape Tomato
Focaccia Bread

Seared Tuna Station*
Sashimi Crusted Tuna
Accoutrements:
Wasabi
Sushi Rice
Pickled Ginger
Crab & Cucumber Salad
Sesame Vinaigrette

Gourmet Mac & Cheese Station
Toppings: Bacon, Asparagus, Shrimp, Truffle
Sauces: Aged Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Fontina & Tomato Fondue

Smoke & Spice BBQ Station*
Carolina Style Mustard Chicken
St. Louis Style Pork Ribs
Lone Star Beef Brisket
Accoutrements:
BBQ Potato Chips
Cracklin' Cornbread
Country Collard Greens
Smoked Rosemary Walnuts
Lexington Style Red Cole Slaw

Meatball Tasting Station
Classic Beef
Spicy Pork
Vegetable
Sauces: Classic Tomato, Spicy Meat, Mushroom Gravy, Parmesan Cream

Mediterranean Station
Falafel
Hummus
Taboulah
Lamb & Chicken Kabobs
Yogurt Cucumber Salad
Baba Ganoush
Pita Crisp

Tuscan Panini Station
Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella and Basil
Roast Eggplant, Tomatoes and Peppers with Gorgonzala
Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Tomatoes and Wilted Baby Greens
Tuscan Bean Soup with Prosciutto
Tomato Bruschetta

Crepe Station
Shrimp & Cognac
Chicken & Asparagus
Grilled Vegetable & Smoked Gouda
Baby Greens Salad and White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Served with Fresh Baguette

Wedding Cake
We will supply a Custom Designed Four Tiered Wedding Cake with your choice of Filling such as:
Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemon, or Cannoli and your choice of Fresh Whipped Cream or Butter Cream Icing
Cookies & Pastries

Table Side Coffee Service
Freshly Brewed Colombian Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Lipton and Herbal Teas

Also Included in Our Wedding Package
A personal Maitre'D, Bridal Attendant and Captain will ensure that every detail of your special day is perfect!

Exclusive use of our Bridal Suite for you and your Bridal Party

A Wedding Coordinator to help plan your reception

Directional Maps for your Wedding Invitations

A Choice of White or Ivory Linens

Place Cards for all your Guests

Valet Parking

Extra Hour
Includes open bar
$8 per person

Dessert Stations
Viennese Table
An elaborate and extensive display of Cakes, Tortes, Gourmet Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Fruit, Petit Fours, and French and Italian Pastries.
Exotic Coffee and Tea Service Included.
$9 per person

International Coffee & Cordial Bar
Espresso and Flavored Coffees, accompanied by a selection of fine Liquors including
Grand Marnier, Courvosier, Drambui, Sambuca Romano, Marie Brizard Anisette,
Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, and Frangelico
$8 per person

French Quarter Flambé
Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee made to order and served over Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
$ 8 per person

Truffle Bar
Chocolate Truffles Rolled in your Favorite Toppings
$8 per person

Chocolate Fountain
Hot Cascading European Chocolate with Marshmallows and Fresh Fruit
Pineapple, Strawberry and Assorted Melons
$8 per person

Ice Cream Sundae Bar
With Assorted Toppings and Syrups
$8 per person

Candy Buffet
Customize Your Color Scheme
$6.50 per person

Elegant Enhancements
From the Sea*
Commodore Bourne's Seafood Bar*
Clams and Oysters Opened to Order by Professional Shuckers, Calamari Salad and
Bay Scallop Ceviche served with Cocktail, Mignonette and Remoulade Sauces
$12 per person
Great South Bay Clam & Oyster Bar Only $10 per person

Sushi*
Yellowfin Tuna, Spicy Tuna, California Roll, Dragon Roll, Salmon Sushi, Tuna Sushi,
Smoked Eel Sushi, Octopus Roll or create you own display.
Served with Cucumber & Crab Salad

Sushi Bar with Chef $18 per person
Sushi Display $15 per person
Sushi Butler Style $11 per person

Jumbo Shrimp Bar*
Includes Giant Clam Shell Sculpture
$10 per person

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail*
Served Butler Style with Cocktail and Parisian Sauces
$7 per person

Seared Sesame Tuna Bar*
Wasabi, Pickled Ginger, Sushi Rice, Crab & Cucumber Salad
$9 per person

Cold Seafood Bar*
Cold Cracked Lobster, Jumbo Shrimp, Clams & Oysters on the Half Shell, Opened to Order

Served with a trio of Sauces: Mignette, Remoulade, and Cocktail

$38.50 per person

Elegant Enhancements
To Begin or Finish Your Affair
Meatball Tasting Station
Black Angus Meatballs
Herbed Chicken Meatballs
Pork and Veal Ricotta Meatballs
Served with your choice of:
Mushroom Gravy, Parmesan Cheese, Classic Tomato, Spicy Meat Sauce

$7.95 per person

Middle Eastern Bazaar
Israeli Falafel with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce
Hummus and Baba Ganoush with Pita Triangles
Rosemary Marinated Lamb and Chicken Kabobs served with Parsley Tahini Sauce
Mediterranean Taboulah Salad

$8.50 per person

Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese Feast
Piping Hot Corkscrew Pasta served with a Cheese Sauce of your choice:
Aged Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Fontina, and Tomato Fondue
Dress up with an array of tantalizing toppings:
Crispy Bacon, Roasted Asparagus and Grilled Shrimp

$10.50 per person

Mashed Potato Bar
Served in Martini Glasses with an Assortment of Toppings
$8 per person

Tapas Station
Chicken and Beef Fajitas made to order with Seasoned Sour Cream,
Black Bean Salsa, assortment of Ceviche and Tapas selections
$9 per person

Martini Station
Our Bartender will mix up the best Martinis from classic to cutting edge including:

Traditional, Cosmopolitan, Watermelon, Apple and Chocolate.
$7 per person - Cocktail Hour

Burger Bar*
Mini Burgers on Fresh Buns served with your choice of accompaniments:
Cheddar Cheese, Gorgonzola, Swiss Cheese, Bacon, Onions, Mushrooms
and your choice of sauces: Barbeque, Spicy Ketchup, Herbed Mayonnaise

Served with Lettuce and Tomato and Side of Crispy Waffle Fries

$6.95 per person

Midnight Snack Bar
(6 hour event only)
Grilled Cheese with shot glass of Tomato Soup
Tiny Assorted Pizzas
Pigs-in-a-Blanket
Mini Sliders*

$6.95 per person

Decadent Dessert
Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ice Cream Sandwiches,
Chocolate Mousse Shooters, Cheesecake Martinis

$7.50 per person

Hot Pretzel Stand
Freshly Grilled Pretzels with Hot Cheese Dip

$4.50 per person

Now thats fancy! lol! I've only seen wedding like that on tv With a menu like that I can see why the big $$ gifts. Thanks for taking the time to post all the info

 

[aprilgail]

Now thats fancy! lol! I've only seen wedding like that on tv With a menu like that I can see why the big $$ gifts. Thanks for taking the time to post all the info

My favorite thing at weddings are the passed Hors D' oeuvres and the Viennese hour! I work for a charity and we run a few events a year out at wedding venues/country clubs so I get to enjoy a "wedding reception" type event with all of that but don't have to fork up a wedding gift LOL.

 

[NotUrsula]

One of the most interesting things about that menu is how many of the "enhancements" are extra-cost options, but which posters here tend to say are ALWAYS offered at weddings in the Tri-State area. If they are truly always there, then that would imply that the vast majority of couples are choosing to spend quite a lot more than they actually have to at this venue and others like it, which leads me back to my contention that the pressure there to do what is expected even if your budget won't cover it is overwhelming, and probably leads to gift-inflation because guests who love these couples feel that they need to help ease that pressure.

(I will admit that the one shocker is that the package appears to includes almost unlimited premium liquor at the base price. That's rare in most of the US, where there are almost always at least 3 tiers of drink service pricing, and often 5 or more. I do expect, however, that if you were to tell that venue that you wanted a no-alcohol wedding, or one where the only alcohol offered was wine, beer, or a signature cocktail, there would be a significant reduction in price.)

 

[shoney]

One of the most interesting things about that menu is how many of the "enhancements" are extra-cost options, but which posters here tend to say are ALWAYS offered at weddings in the Tri-State area. If they are truly always there, then that would imply that the vast majority of couples are choosing to spend quite a lot more than they actually have to at this venue and others like it, which leads me back to my contention that the pressure there to do what is expected even if your budget won't cover it is overwhelming, and probably leads to gift-inflation because guests who love these couples feel that they need to help ease that pressure.

(I will admit that the one shocker is that the package appears to includes almost unlimited premium liquor at the base price. That's rare in most of the US, where there are almost always at least 3 tiers of drink service pricing, and often 5 or more. I do expect, however, that if you were to tell that venue that you wanted a no-alcohol wedding, or one where the only alcohol offered was wine, beer, or a signature cocktail, there would be a significant reduction in price.)

Not sure where this menu came from but it is pretty standard for catering halls on Long Island. We have specific places that only do these types of parties. 5 hour unlimited liquor is the norm at these places. So just beer and wine or cash bar is not the norm! My mom is a bit of a wine snob and didn’t like what was offered and supplies the wine. No price reduction It kinda of this is what’s included and these are the extras Not really a I want my party here but give me a discount for not taking this or that. Not saying it never happens but don’t think your getting a prime slot for a discount!

 

[dish rag]

One of the most interesting things about that menu is how many of the "enhancements" are extra-cost options, but which posters here tend to say are ALWAYS offered at weddings in the Tri-State area. If they are truly always there, then that would imply that the vast majority of couples are choosing to spend quite a lot more than they actually have to at this venue and others like it, which leads me back to my contention that the pressure there to do what is expected even if your budget won't cover it is overwhelming, and probably leads to gift-inflation because guests who love these couples feel that they need to help ease that pressure.

(I will admit that the one shocker is that the package appears to includes almost unlimited premium liquor at the base price. That's rare in most of the US, where there are almost always at least 3 tiers of drink service pricing, and often 5 or more. I do expect, however, that if you were to tell that venue that you wanted a no-alcohol wedding, or one where the only alcohol offered was wine, beer, or a signature cocktail, there would be a significant reduction in price.)

Gift inflation. That's a new one for me never heard that before lol. Must be regional !

 

[luvsJack]

One of the most interesting things about that menu is how many of the "enhancements" are extra-cost options, but which posters here tend to say are ALWAYS offered at weddings in the Tri-State area. If they are truly always there, then that would imply that the vast majority of couples are choosing to spend quite a lot more than they actually have to at this venue and others like it, which leads me back to my contention that the pressure there to do what is expected even if your budget won't cover it is overwhelming, and probably leads to gift-inflation because guests who love these couples feel that they need to help ease that pressure.

(I will admit that the one shocker is that the package appears to includes almost unlimited premium liquor at the base price. That's rare in most of the US, where there are almost always at least 3 tiers of drink service pricing, and often 5 or more. I do expect, however, that if you were to tell that venue that you wanted a no-alcohol wedding, or one where the only alcohol offered was wine, beer, or a signature cocktail, there would be a significant reduction in price.)

My thoughts exactly!

Fresh grilled pretzels? Seriously?

I mean the parties are fun and I get that, but come on! How much is truly what the bride wants and how much is "well its what is expected"?



What do people in the area do that seriously cannot afford this extravagance?

 

[luvsJack]

Not sure where this menu came from but it is pretty standard for catering halls on Long Island. We have specific places that only do these types of parties. 5 hour unlimited liquor is the norm at these places. So just beer and wine or cash bar is not the norm! My mom is a bit of a wine snob and didn’t like what was offered and supplies the wine. No price reduction It kinda of this is what’s included and these are the extras Not really a I want my party here but give me a discount for not taking this or that. Not saying it never happens but don’t think your getting a prime slot for a discount!

So, they don't offer different packages? Like more or less food or more or less alcohol?

Weddings anywhere can cost a bundle or not but here and the places we have looked at in NOLA, there were options. So let's say you wanted a full open bar, it was $x per person or if you wanted just beer and wine it was $x per person for the bar. One of the best ones we saw in NOLA, you could have one bar set up for the guests and a different one for the wedding party. I wouldn't do that but it was an option along with different lengths of time for an open bar or choices of the kinds of alcohol. They also had like 5 different menus to choose from and you could mix and match so you could make it fit your budget and still feed the masses.

 

[skyblue17]

My thoughts exactly!

Fresh grilled pretzels? Seriously?

I mean the parties are fun and I get that, but come on! How much is truly what the bride wants and how much is "well its what is expected"?



What do people in the area do that seriously cannot afford this extravagance?

I think you've summed up weddings in general!

 

[NotUrsula]

Not sure where this menu came from but it is pretty standard for catering halls on Long Island. We have specific places that only do these types of parties. 5 hour unlimited liquor is the norm at these places. So just beer and wine or cash bar is not the norm! My mom is a bit of a wine snob and didn’t like what was offered and supplies the wine. No price reduction It kinda of this is what’s included and these are the extras Not really a I want my party here but give me a discount for not taking this or that. Not saying it never happens but don’t think your getting a prime slot for a discount!

I'm not talking about a discount, I'm talking about choosing a different package, which is standard in the catering industry at large. That is what I meant about how odd it was; no venue that I've ever seen elsewhere rolls premium liquor completely into every package; it costs too much and there is too much quality variation to do that. In most parts of the country, beverages are what separate the various package levels that a venue offers. Of course, it is very possible that these venues are re-labeling the drinks (when I worked catering, it was common knowledge that the majority of guests could not tell the difference between the premium and well brands of most spirits. If we ran out of the premium, we just served whatever we had until the runner got back with replacement bottles; not once did I ever see a guest complain that what was in his drink wasn't top-shelf. Once or twice I even served blended Scotch to impatient people who asked for bourbon with mixers but who were obviously buzzed enough not to discern the difference.)

The PP didn't post the base price for that 4-station meal. If you compare that menu to a comparable one from a top venue in Chicago, you'll find that you will generally pay significantly more for the top-shelf liquor package in Chicago, because it is usually not the default. In the wedding catering industry as a whole, the usual default is the middle, which is an open bar with well brands. From there you can go down -- to light open bar (beer, wine, and limited pre-mixed cocktails), or teetotal, or up -- to top-shelf or super-premium options. There are also places that have what is known as a "consumption" option; where the spirit bottles are counted before & after the event, and you pay only for what was used (you see that one most often in places like Utah, where it is common for a significant percentage of guests to be teetotal. That option requires you to pay significantly more per drink and pay a minimum, but if you know your guest list includes mostly non-drinkers, it will usually total up to less.)

(I should note FWIW, the reason that I keep bringing up New Orleans is that the average cost of a wedding in New Orleans is not much less than that of the Tri-State area. NOLA consistently turns up next to NJ and Boston on lists of the most expensive places to throw a wedding, but paying top dollar is very much a choice in New Orleans, where even the most exclusive venues offer several price levels, because the local market demands that.)

 

[mjkacmom]

The bigger venues by me seem to not have different pricing options based on alcohol or food, although I’m seeing the add-on trends which weren’t a thing when I got married (caviar station, martini station, heck fresh mozzarella station..). There are smaller venues here where they host sports dinners and school dances that do allow beer/wins vs full open bar (had my moms repast at one, I’m not paying for open bar at noon on a Monday).

https://www.wedding-spot.com/wedding-venues/

 

[luvsJack]

I'm not talking about a discount, I'm talking about choosing a different package, which is standard in the catering industry at large. That is what I meant about how odd it was; no venue that I've ever seen elsewhere rolls premium liquor completely into every package; it costs too much and there is too much quality variation to do that. In most parts of the country, beverages are what separate the various package levels that a venue offers. Of course, it is very possible that these venues are re-labeling the drinks (when I worked catering, it was common knowledge that the majority of guests could not tell the difference between the premium and well brands of most spirits. If we ran out of the premium, we just served whatever we had until the runner got back with replacement bottles; not once did I ever see a guest complain that what was in his drink wasn't top-shelf. Once or twice I even served blended Scotch to impatient people who asked for bourbon with mixers but who were obviously buzzed enough not to discern the difference.)

The PP didn't post the base price for that 4-station meal. If you compare that menu to a comparable one from a top venue in Chicago, you'll find that you will generally pay significantly more for the top-shelf liquor package in Chicago, because it is usually not the default. In the wedding catering industry as a whole, the usual default is the middle, which is an open bar with well brands. From there you can go down -- to light open bar (beer, wine, and limited pre-mixed cocktails), or teetotal, or up -- to top-shelf or super-premium options. There are also places that have what is known as a "consumption" option; where the spirit bottles are counted before & after the event, and you pay only for what was used (you see that one most often in places like Utah, where it is common for a significant percentage of guests to be teetotal. That option requires you to pay significantly more per drink and pay a minimum, but if you know your guest list includes mostly non-drinkers, it will usually total up to less.)

(I should note FWIW, the reason that I keep bringing up New Orleans is that the average cost of a wedding in New Orleans is not much less than that of the Tri-State area. NOLA consistently turns up next to NJ and Boston on lists of the most expensive places to throw a wedding, but paying top dollar is very much a choice in New Orleans, where even the most exclusive venues offer several price levels, because the local market demands that.)

Actually where we looked at in NOLA, the prices quoted, while high, weren't like way out there and for what was offered was well worth it. The packages would include many extras that you would have to include anyway and at a good prices. And like you say, there were options of packages. (one was in the French Quarter at a beautiful antebellum home, I would have to look up the other one but it may have been in the French quarter too) The one with the one bar for the wedding party and another for the guests was offering the premium alcohol for wedding party, well drinks for the guests. I guess it would keep cost down and like you say, do they really know the difference? but I would feel guilty.

 

[NotUrsula]

Actually where we looked at in NOLA, the prices quoted, while high, weren't like way out there and for what was offered was well worth it. The packages would include many extras that you would have to include anyway and at a good prices. And like you say, there were options of packages. (one was in the French Quarter at a beautiful antebellum home, I would have to look up the other one but it may have been in the French quarter too) The one with the one bar for the wedding party and another for the guests was offering the premium alcohol for wedding party, well drinks for the guests. I guess it would keep cost down and like you say, do they really know the difference? but I would feel guilty.

Oh, I don't feel that they are too expensive for their value; most of those venues are very special places. I just mentioned it because the idea of "covering your plate" is essentially unheard of in New Orleans, even though the average price of a wedding is actually comparable to that in the Northeast.

 

[luvsJack]

Oh, I don't feel that they are too expensive for their value; most of those venues are very special places. I just mentioned it because the idea of "covering your plate" is essentially unheard of in New Orleans, even though the average price of a wedding is actually comparable to that in the Northeast.

Yeah, I could just see telling anyone in the south they would need to "cover their plate". I think they would look at you like you had three heads! LOL

 

[Patience]

$5.00 I'm part bohemian

Everyone but the bohemian is invited to my daughter's wedding next month.

We give the same amount to all of our numerous nieces and nephews, regardless of what style of wedding they decide to have. Some of them have had country club or hotel weddings. Some have had church weddings with a dry reception in the church hall afterwards. We don't care. We gave the same amount to each of them.

My daughter is having a farm wedding. It is not a barn wedding though. The farm has a banquet facility that is beautiful. We are having chicken and steak for dinner and a cocktail hour with 5 different appetizers but there will be no stations, no sushi, no caviar, no mashed potato or meatball bars, no Viennese table, and our only desserts are wedding cake and Greek wedding cookies. The venue only allows beer and wine so there will also be no hard liquor, just beer, wine, champagne, and sangria (because my daughter loves sangria). I would hate to think people were adding up the costs in their heads and gifting based upon that or, worse, deciding not to come because they can only afford a modest gift or no gift. We just want people to join us to celebrate and to be there to let our daughter and her husband know that they are loved and supported in their new marriage. As the minister said today at the royal wedding, a bride and groom need to know that their friends and loved ones believe in them. You can't put a price on that!

 

[kiddo76]

Most of the big wedding reception places I've experienced give you a choice of full bar, cocktail hour followed by cash bar (sometimes with wine on the table), or full cash bar. Sometimes several different functions within the same facility, but separate rooms, might have just one central bar area. I think no bar at all is an option, but I think it might even cost more than cash bar (I know we had to for prom, since they needed someone at the bar to serve sodas).The bars in these places are usually permanent fixtures, so you don't get to decide what brands or signature cocktails you want.

The exceptions are if you rent a venue with a separate caterer, such as a social club hall, museum, or other similar places that are not function facilities. Then there is more flexibility.

Massachusetts tends to have some strict laws regarding serving alcohol and very few places let you bring your own. You have to have a vendor with a liquor license. Even if they allow you to bring in something like a special kind of wine, they tend to charge a corkage fee that isn't much lower than what they charge for the wine the supply. There is a lot of liability businesses have to assume when alcohol is served/consumed on their premises.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You have to have a vendor with a liquor license.

There is a lot of liability businesses have to assume when alcohol is served/consumed on their premises.

I'm going to assume this is true in many many other places. Maybe it's more moot in my area because despite being old-school on liquor laws (though it's getting less and less strict as time goes on) all the venues we looked at allowed liquor however a common thing is to ensure the couple has adequate liability insurance. There's likely some places that didn't allow alcohol but they weren't ones we took a tour of.

The venue typically doesn't carry the liability in terms of what you're talking about, the couple does. The venue is going to have liability for certain aspects with or without alcohol anyways and that's part of hosting events in general.

For us just about all places (regardless of alcohol being served or not) required us to either have a separate liability policy for a 1-day event OR add the vendor on as an additional insured for the purposes of a Certificate of Liability for a 1-day event onto your homeowners or renters insurance (whichever is applicable) and the most common amount required was $1million (so if you were adding it to your existing home or renters policy you may need to increase the liability coverage). You had to name the venue, the date, and a description of the venue and event onto the liability policy or on the Certificate of Liability for a 1-day event and give the vendor a copy of the Certificate so they could have it on file. That's pretty standard practice. In a very general note (meaning for non-wedding events) some places only require that when alcohol is going to be present and some places require it just to have the event there.

 

[luvsJack]

The venues here (in this state, not in NOLA), require liability insurance for the event whether alcohol is served or not. If you are serving it, the insurance must state that. Some require that you hire security (usually local deputies) if you are serving alcohol. For some security is included in the price of the venue and is present whether there is alcohol served or not.

They don't have any particular requirements on the kind of alcohol. Some require a licensed bartender (which may or may not come from the caterer) if you serve any alcohol, some only if you are serving liquor; so beer and wine can be self serve.

 

[LSUmiss]

For grins, I went out on Wedding-spot.com and priced similar venues in coastal Rhode Island and in New Orleans. I came up with pretty comparable price ranges in the middle and at the top end, though there were fewer options for skipping certain aspects in the Rhode Island venues; in New Orleans the venues are much more willing to let you leave out things that you don't feel you need. (A Pasta course?) More of the RI venues also had exclusive caterers, and having worked in the industry, I can tell you that that practice is the single most important one in driving up wedding costs: when venues allow only one caterer to work there, competitive pricing disappears. Exclusive catering contracts are much more common on the East Coast than elsewhere in the US, where venues are much more likely to have multiple caterers available with a much greater range of price options, or allow you to simply rent the venue and use any caterer you wish, or none (there are some venues in New Orleans that list the minimum price for 50 guests as under $300 -- that's bare-bones venue-only pricing, where that price buys you an empty room, running water and electricity; everything else is up to you to bring in.)

Believe me, there are an awful lot of $200+/plate weddings held in New Orleans, but the concept of "covering your plate" is pretty much unheard of there. Price alone simply doesn't explain it. (New Orleans routinely lands on the best-known lists of "Top 25 Most Expensive Places to Hold a Wedding")

(Pricing structure does explain it to some extent, though. While it is true that the price of a lb. of prime rib is going to probably be higher in Rhode Island than in Louisiana, a decision by the venue to use only one caterer who chooses to offer ONLY prime rib as the only beef option is something else again. THAT is de-facto price fixing. If you can choose between a filet, a strip steak and 8 oz. of prime rib, you will have the option to change your cost and still serve beef.)

And in Nola is more price per head b/c it’s usually buffet style & open bar. Open bar being the most important!

 

[kiddo76]

In MA, the venue carries the liability insurance. I've never heard of individuals carrying liability insurance, unless on private property. Even then, I think the caterer serving/providing the alcohol is liable. MA has some insane liquor laws. If you are under 25, it's almost impossible to get a drink in Boston with an out of state license.

 

[kiddo76]

And in Nola is more price per head b/c it’s usually buffet style & open bar. Open bar being the most important!

Interesting. In MA, buffets are usually cheaper than sit down, unless you have premium carving stations with the buffet.

Apparently the only thing consistent about weddings around the US are the inconsistencies.